Do you install snow tires every year?

Postby **Huzer** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

I always see snow tire threads, so was just curious who runs 'em every year. I had a set on my RX8, but only because I got them for $50. Other than that, I've never used snow tires. Event was as far as to take them OFF my Saab. During winter.

I'd only use them if I was running high performance summer only (soft) tires.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

No snow tires for me, and yes I drive my car all year.

tbot · Postby **tbot** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

I have awd...so that greatly helps with my decision to not run 'em...

Colombia28 · Postby **Colombia28** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

I do. Yokohama W Drives go on every winter. They are awesome in the white stuff but absolutly awful when there is no snow on the ground. I can't exactly run Bridgestone RE-01Rs all winter. Even when there is no snow on the ground, the cold temps alone make it dangerous.

AIM WO4 · Postby **AIM WO4** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

I don't think they are needed, but I like the extra added control. I have avoided a few mishaps just because I had them; although, I don't know that I would have been driving had I not had the tires.

Ranger · Postby **Ranger** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

Depends on the car. I'm not planning on getting them for my current winter vehicle (AWD Explorer). But if I only had one car, especially a sporty RWD one like the RX-7, I absolutely would do it. Last year I daily drove a 328i through the winter on Z-rated summer tires and it suuuucked. If I had a FWD car on decent all season tires I probably wouldn't do it. It does make a huge difference, though.

Colombia28 · Postby **Colombia28** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

Ranger wrote:It does make a huge difference, though.

This!

erod550 · Postby **erod550** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

I have a separate set of wheels and tires for winter. I like summer tires on when I can and usually switch to the winter set in early October. Sometimes I take them off by the end of April, sometimes not until later in May. If I had an in-town commute I wouldn't worry about it as much but I drive 56 miles one way to work at high speeds so I need good grip on snowy roads.

I used to run dedicated snow/ice tires like General Altimax Arctics which were awesome in snow but absolutely terrible on dry roads. This past winter I got a set of Michelin Primacy Alpins, "performance winter tires." I noticed a HUGE increase in dry road traction which is a big deal when the roads are clear 6 days out of 7 or more for most of the winter. But I was also prepared for the days when it snowed unexpectedly. They were a little less effective in the snow than the Altimax Arctics but still good. I highly recommend them to anyone who plans to run the winter set all winter, which you should if your other set is summer tires because summer tires lose a lot of grip even on dry pavement when the temperatures drop.

iani1.1 · Postby **iani1.1** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

i do it every year just cause lol

Regulator · Postby **Regulator** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

My stock pirelli's that came on my car were nearly bald, so I started looking through craigslist and came across a set of half price Blizzaks so I took the bait. I'm looking forward to having awd + dedicated snow tires, but I don't think its really necessary since we only get a few big snowfalls per year.

chickenwafer · Postby **chickenwafer** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

I don't drive my FD in the winter (she's spoiled) so no. But just to echo what Ranger said, if I had a sports car that I had to drive all year round, I would. I have my beater truck with BFG All Terrains, so I'm pretty set for the snow.

roninspeed3 · Postby **roninspeed3** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

Yokohama W drives here too. Love 'em and really don't have an issue with them dry but excellent on snow. I'll get three seasons with them and the summers...

Colombia28 · Postby **Colombia28** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:14

roninspeed3 wrote:Yokohama W drives here too. Love 'em and really don't have an issue with them dry but excellent on snow. I'll get three seasons with them and the summers...

This winter will be my third season with them. Still going strong.

Stealth01 · Postby **Stealth01** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 9:14

Well, I answered NO, but that's about to change, I think. Meeting a dude on Sunday in the DTC. He's selling a set of Pilot Alpin 2s for $500. Has pics of the tread measuring 10/32 and 11/32. I am PUMPED to get these tires on my car for winter. Cannot WAIT for some snow rally fun!

chromal · Postby **chromal** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 9:14

Stealth01 wrote:Cannot WAIT for some snow rally fun!

That is something I love about driving on the powder with good winter tires-- you can drift all over if you want, but it's within very controlled parameters, so you can also dial it back to full traction without breaking a sweat. A ton of fun if you're on a road (or parking lot) alone.

*pulls handbrake, wheeeeeeeeee*